Long before the laboratory, there was a backroom—warm with steam, fragrant with oils, and alive with the quiet rituals of care. It was here, in his Melbourne hair salon, that founder Dennis Paphitis began blending vegetable and essential oils by hand and introduced them into his haircare products.
What started as a mindful experiment became the foundation of Aesop, a brand shaped as much by touch and texture as it is by science. Today, that philosophy lives on, refined through research and formulation, with Solais Replenishing Hand Serum as its latest evolution.
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The first in Aesop’s hand care range to draw directly from facial skincare science, Solais—pronounced “Sol-ish” which means “of light” in Irish—shifts how we think about caring for our hands. It’s less about quick fixes, and more about treating them with the same level of attention as the rest of our face.
The formula leans on ingredients you’d typically find in face care: Niacinamide helps to brighten skin, lighten dark spots, and support the skin barrier; dandelion root works to counter environmental stressors; while lipo-hydroxy acid (LHA) offers gentle exfoliation, refining texture so skin appears smoother and more even.
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What makes it such a joy to use is the texture. The lightweight serum feels silky, absorbs immediately, and leaves no residue, so it fits into the in-between moments of your day—after washing your hands, before stepping out, or even mid-scroll.
And then, there’s the inviting aroma; the sensorial aspect that Aesop does so well. In this essential oil mix, lavender stem, bergamot rind, and neroli blossom—revered for their hydrating, soothing, and astringent properties—are meticulously blended to achieve a light floral, citrus, and herbaceous aroma that complements the scent of each Aesop Aromatique Hand Balm. Whether it’s Eleos, Reverence, or Resurrection, the preferred balm can be applied after Solais for efficacious results.
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The best way to use Solais is in a four-step skincare regimen. First, the hands are generously cleansed with Resurrection or Reverence Aromatique Hand Wash. Then, massage one pump of Solais Replenishing Hand Serum to the back of each hand. Next, hydrate with one of the three Aromatique Hand Balms, and finish with a sunscreen like Protective Facial Lotion SPF50 for daytime protection. With consistent use, your precious hands will feel softer, look more even toned, and hold hydration better.
Used as part of an everyday routine, Solais brings structure to hand care without overcomplicating things. It’s the kind of care that builds gradually, rather than relying on quick, temporary fixes.
Solais Replenishing Hand Serum is now available at Aesop signature stores and online.